Five police officers are to be investigated over a St Patrick's Day hotel crush which left three teenagers dead - after reports the first responders 'withdrew to await back-up'.

Lauren Bullock, 17, Morgan Barnard, 17, and 16-year-old Connor Currie died near the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, in an incident which witnesses described as chaotic.

Northern - Ireland - Police - Ombudsman - Investigation

Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman is starting a criminal investigation into five PSNI officers for alleged misconduct over the tragedy.

The move comes after the Police Service of Northern Ireland asked the police watchdog to look into the actions of the first officers who arrived at the scene on March 17.

Deputy - Chief - Constable - Stephen - Martin

Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said the PSNI will co-operate fully with the investigation.

'PSNI can confirm that it has been informed by the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, that it is considering whether five police officers who were involved in the initial police response to the dreadful events at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on 17 March this year, have committed the offence of Misconduct in Public Office,' he said.